High heat index raises chances of accidental fires

This heat will linger across the state for the rest of the week, and fire crews are worried about a couple of dangers affecting their work. For one, it’s so dry that the smallest spark – like from a cigarette – can get flames going. Once crews start fighting those, another hazard comes into play. Assistant Fire Chief Craig Jones in Morrisville says it starts with a heat index over 100, then add another 20 degrees from the fire itself. He says the layers of protective clothing firefighters wear only adds to that too.

He says the lack of rain across the state is leaving the ground very dry. Any burning of yard waste should be held off until Missouri sees rain – but there’s not any in the forecast this week.

Jones points out that if you’re found responsible for a fire that damages or destroys someone’s property…that’s considered arson, even if it wasn’t intentional.